Zero to SRE

Discover how to successfully integrate and nurture junior Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) in this insightful conference talk from SREcon19 Americas. Learn about creating a supportive environment for entry-level SREs through establishing a 'Culture of Error,' promoting mentorship, and allocating dedicated learning time. Explore a comprehensive roadmap for supporting junior SREs from their first day through their first year, including strategies for breaking down tasks, developing technical learning plans, and implementing systems of support and accountability. Gain valuable insights on pairing junior engineers with experienced team members, conducting 90-day trial periods, and encouraging formal learning through exam preparation and book clubs. Understand how to transform junior engineers into mid-level professionals within a year, ultimately creating a competitive advantage for your company by fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Intro
TEACHFOR AMERICA
Guarantee 20% Time for Learning
Create a Culture of Error
Expect Error and Praise Risk Taking
Make engineering teams, not individual engineers, critical to your bottom Line.
First Day
Engineering Leveling Doc
Breaks moderately-sized tasks down into smaller units of work upon request and reviews break- down with senior engineers
Prepare a technical learning plan that is aligned with the day-to- day work of your engineers.
Develop systems of support and accountability for your junior SRE.
Pairing and Real Work
90 Day Trial Period
Encourage formal Learning through exam prep. a book club, or an online course.
Hire more junior engineers!
First Year
Review the new engineer's progress as compared against your leveling doc.
Your company can transforma junior engineer to a mid-level engineer within one year.